80% matchMadhappy
LA premium fleece with a feel-good, optimistic message
What changes: Clean modern palette instead of 70s stripes and distressing
Brand profile
Aviator Nation
Independent California label making distressed, striped 1970s-style hoodies and sweatpants sewn in Los Angeles, sold through its own stores.
Los AngelesOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$$Price
4 brands like Aviator Nation like Madhappy, Vintage Havana, Reigning Champ →
What to know about Aviator Nation
Aviator Nation is a 1970s-inspired California lifestyle label founded by Paige Mycoskie in her Venice Beach garage in 2006. She remains founder, president and creative director, and the company is still independent with no outside investors. Signature pieces are striped, distressed hoodies and sweatpants sewn in the brand's Los Angeles-area factory, alongside tees, accessories and surfboards. It sells through roughly 18-19 owned stores plus e-commerce, and runs sports and music tie-ins including 2025 collections for the College Football Playoff and WM Phoenix Open. Adidas sued the brand in 2025 over its stripe designs.
How Aviator Nation fits
Overall fit
runs large
Aviator Nation's signature fleece and tees tend to wear roomy and relaxed, and many shoppers find them oversized compared to typical fit.
Tip: Consider sizing down for a closer fit, especially on hoodies and tees.
Medium confidence · based on 6 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | runs large | relaxed, slightly boxy | Size down one if you want a fitted look; keep true-to-size for the intended slouchy drape. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly large | relaxed | Take your usual size for a relaxed fit or size down for something trimmer. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Aviator Nation
80% match
71% matchVintage Havana
Vintage-washed retro tees and lounge sets, lower price
What changes: Wholesale-driven and less premium construction
68% matchReigning Champ
North-America-made terry sweats, logo-light and plainer
What changes: No graphics or retro colorwork; gym-minimal
65% matchJohn Elliott
LA heavyweight fleece with a fashion-forward cut
What changes: Tonal minimalism, higher price, no surf nostalgia
Aviator Nation fit questions
Does Aviator Nation run big or small?
Aviator Nation runs large. Consider sizing down for a closer fit, especially on hoodies and tees. Aviator Nation's signature fleece and tees tend to wear roomy and relaxed, and many shoppers find them oversized compared to typical fit.
How does Aviator Nation fit?
Aviator Nation's signature fleece and tees tend to wear roomy and relaxed, and many shoppers find them oversized compared to typical fit. Overall shape: relaxed, vintage-inspired.
How do Aviator Nation hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Aviator Nation hoodies & sweatshirts runs large. Size down one if you want a fitted look; keep true-to-size for the intended slouchy drape. Shape: relaxed, slightly boxy.
How do Aviator Nation t-shirts & graphic tees fit?
Aviator Nation t-shirts & graphic tees fits slightly large. Take your usual size for a relaxed fit or size down for something trimmer. Shape: relaxed.
Brand facts
- Founded
- 2006
- Origin
- Los Angeles, United States
- Made in
- USA
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Streetwear, Y2K